Thursday, September 03, 2009

It's time for Take it and Run Thursday - lindsay style! Today Lindsay asks:

What do you do to get yourself motivated to run when it feels like it's the last thing you want to do?

• I upload each and every run on Runner+ and RunSaturday. I analyse the data, keep track of weekly/monthly totals and connect with other friends on both sites. I have a few friends who leave a comment on every single run so just knowing that they will be checking up on me is sometimes enough to get me out the door.

• I remind myself often how much I missed running when I was laid up for 4 weeks earlier this year with a separated shoulder.

• Because I trained somewhat 'minimally' for my first marathon last year, I have had many opportunities to set new weekly and monthly mileage milestones. Seeing those numbers grow and grow is a big motivator!

• I remind myself how badly I want marathon redemption.

• I joined the marathon team at my local running store this year. We run together 2-3 times every week with various post-run social events as well.

• Our clinic instructor for the group mentioned above has more or less become my running coach. He keeps track of my progress and asks for reports on all key workouts, then offers feedback and advice moving forward. Reporting to someone regularly makes it much less tempting to skip/modify a run.

ahh great tips marlene! thanks for sharing and participating :) i love the "remembering how much you missed it when injured" point especially. we definitely take our good, running health for granted some times. well, i know i do anyway. thanks again!

It sounds like you have a GREAT team that you run with - I love reading about your long runs / speed workouts etc. I think you've done AMAZING with your marathon training - I'm always inspired when I come over here to read about what you've been up to. Rarely do you have a "bad" run, and you're always getting creative. Honestly think your marathon is going to be awesome for you this time around!